Are you the Family Scapegoat

The scapegoat role refers to a situation in which one family member is consistently blamed, criticised, or held responsible for the family's unconscious feelings of shame or dysfunction. The person is not praised and is often ignored or rejected 

Signs You Might Be the Scapegoat 

1. Constant Blame: You find yourself being blamed for family problems even when you're not directly involved or responsible. 

2. Negative Labels: Family members assign negative labels to you, which can impact your self-esteem and self-image. 

3. Isolation: You might feel isolated or excluded from family events or decisions. 

4. Emotional Impact: Being the scapegoat can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, guilt, and sadness. 

5. Unrealistic Expectations: You're expected to carry the weight of the family's problems/shame and "fix" everything. 

How to Heal and Move Forwards 

I am so sorry if you are in this role its painful, unjust & lonely but help and compassion is out there- here are steps you can take toward healing: 

1. Read up on what a Scapegoat is and see if you can recognise the behaviour and root causes in your family. 

2. Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries to protect yourself from further emotional harm. Avoid being the punching bag by removing yourself from a room or on the phone if a person is blaming and shaming you unfairly. 

3. Seek Support: Therapy or counselling can help you process your experiences, build resilience, and develop coping strategies. 

4. Build a Support Network: Connect with friends, mentors, or support groups to counteract the isolation you may have felt. 

5. Focus on Self-Care: Prioritise activities that promote your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 

6. Challenge Negative Beliefs: Work on changing the negative beliefs that you might have unconsciously adopted: Affirm: As a human being I have the right not to be responsible for others’ behaviour, actions, feelings, or problems. 

7. This is not your fault. This role you were assigned doesn't define your worth You are being used to carry the burden for others. This is not your fault -know that this is not your fault and you are not to blame. Break free & Find True Freedom! You are not alone. 

 

https://www.yourtruefreedom.co.uk/blog/do-you-have-a-fear-of-rejection/